“I want to escape from myself. For when I do start up and stare myself seedily in the face, as happens to be my case at present, my blankness is inconceivable--indescribable--my misery amazing.”
Analysis
In this quote by Charles Dickens, the speaker expresses a deep desire to escape from their own self. The mention of starting up and staring seedily in the face suggests a raw self-reflection that is overwhelming. The use of "blankness" and "misery" conveys a sense of emptiness and profound unhappiness experienced by the speaker. It highlights the internal struggles and torment that the speaker is grappling with, showcasing the complexities of human emotions and the desire to break free from one's own self.
Modern Relevance
In this quote by Charles Dickens, the protagonist expresses a desire to escape from the overwhelming misery and self-reflection that consumes them. This feeling of wanting to escape from oneself and the struggles of self-awareness is something that many people can relate to in the modern world, especially in the age of social media and constant comparison to others. the pressure to constantly present a perfect image of ourselves can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a desire to escape from our own thoughts and insecurities. The quote highlights the universal human experience of grappling with one's own flaws and seeking relief from the weight of self-awareness.
Charles Dickens on Escaping from Oneself
"I want to escape from myself. For when I do start up and stare myself seedily in the face, as happens to be my case at present, my blankness is inconceivable--indescribable--my misery amazing." - Charles Dickens
Reflection Questions:
In this quote from Charles Dickens, the speaker expresses a deep desire to escape from themselves and the misery they feel when confronting their own reflection. Reflecting on this quote, consider the following questions:
- Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt the need to escape from yourself or your own thoughts?
- How do you interpret the idea of staring at oneself "seedily in the face" and the feelings of "blankness" and "misery" that accompany it?
- What do you think Dickens is trying to convey about the struggle of self-reflection and self-acceptance through this quote?
- How do you think one can work through feelings of discomfort or dissatisfaction with oneself in order to cultivate a sense of inner peace and acceptance?
Similar quotes
“I was trying to find a reason for having had to escape from the place that was my home. To convince myself of my choices, I had to make it a place that everyone should want to escape from.”
“As far back as I can remember I would escape from my humdrum world by burying myself in books--the one true love of my life when growing up.”
“I withdraw my consent from reality. I deny it my assistance. I dedicate myself to the temptations of escapism, and throw myself wholeheartedly into the endlessness of unreality.”
“I had to sever my emotional cord to escape the anger and shame that silently slithered through my head, disconnecting myself from the stares and whispers that followed me down the hall.”
“It was amazing what I could remember about myself when I retraced my own steps.”